Valencia pulled off a dramatic 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, ending a historic winless run at the venue thanks to a 95th-minute header from Hugo Duro.
With Real debutant goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez under the spotlight, Los Che struck first through Mouctar Diakhaby’s powerful header from an Andre Almeida corner, moments after Vinicius Junior had seen a penalty saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili following a controversial foul on Kylian Mbappe.
Madrid pressed hard, with Jude Bellingham and Mbappe both threatening, before Vinicius equalised early in the second half, turning in Bellingham’s flick at the back post.
However, Valencia remained resolute and weathered heavy pressure as Mamardashvili pulled off several key saves.
Just when a draw seemed certain, Rafa Mir whipped in a perfect cross for Duro to nod home at the death, sealing a vital win that lifts Valencia seven points clear of the relegation zone and leaves Madrid’s title hopes dented.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side could end the weekend six points behind leaders Barcelona, having now lost twice in their last five LaLiga matches.
